A Briefer History of Time [Paperback]

 

 

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Summary of the Novel:

Hawking and Mlodinow have put together an in-depth look at the field of physics that is simple enough to be accessible by the general public. This summary will give an explanation of the general themes of discussion present throughout the novel. Scientific research does not occur within a vacuum, the consequences of these new theories must also be examined. Hawking and Mlodinow have condensed some of the most complex and important ideas of the 21st century into a simple and easy to understand format. They begin by discussing the history of physics and the way the world has viewed this branch of science.

Scientific discoveries have been made since before recorded history. The Greeks are probably some of the earliest contributors to what would be deemed "modern physics". Hawking and Mlodinow study the field of astronomy in particular, noting the accomplishments of Greeks like Aristotle and Ptolemy but also those of others like Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo. Sir Isaac Newton is also analyzed and his theories (like gravity) are discussed. It is important to note that not all of these great thinkers were correct in their views. Ptolemy, for instance, created a very flawed model, which showed that the Earth was the center of the universe.

Hawking and Mlodinow explain that this does not devalue their contributions. In fact, Chapter Three explains that imperfect and partial theories are the norm in physical studies since the creation of a single theory is exceptionally difficult. The two main theories that govern the universe are "general relativity" and "quantum mechanics". Other important theories are discussed as well, like Newton's Laws and special relativity. The behavior of light becomes especially important. The fact that is both a wave and particle, that it has a constant speed, and that it can be used to measure objects is very relevant. Multiple scientists have developed these concepts and others over many years and it is stressed that they are continuing to change today.

Hawking and Mlodinow then begin a discussion about the properties of the universe that we have come to discover. They explain that space is curved, much like the surface of the Earth itself. They go on to talk about the effects of gravitational fields and acceleration (two forces which they explain are really the same thing as long as the acceleration is uniform). They say that both light and time (thought to be completely weightless) can be bent and warped by very powerful gravitational fields or very extreme acceleration.

By examining the changing positions of objects in the far reaches of space we have come to accept that our universe is expanding. Using the Doppler Effect we have measured the increase to be between 5-10% every billion years. The authors chronicle the history of these achievements and the methods used to determine that our universe is growing and changing all the time.

Questions about physics always return to the initial state of the object one is trying to analyze. The changes that have taken place can only be described in relation to what the original model showed. Chapter Eight condenses what we know about the "Big Bang" and black holes in space and time. The matter in the universe (and anti-matter) was formed at the "Big Bang" and it is apparent that the expansion of the universe will continue. We also have run into a very serious problem with calculating the initially state of the universe because of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle. We measure quantum properties using waves of light. However, the light itself disturbs the speed of the particle and so we cannot measure the exact position and velocity of a particle at the same time.


Hawking and Mlodinow then delve into one of the most intriguing avenues of modern science, the possibility of time travel. They discuss most of the popular theories about this issue. These include time paradoxes as well as the ability to travel across great distances without time passing. They argue that wormholes (a passage through space-time) are possible due to the curved state of the universe described earlier. By traveling through, instead of along, the curved surface at high speed a person might be able to arrive previous to when they left (travel back in time).

The final section of the novel addresses the quest for a unified theory of physics by combining the four forces that act on matter. Gravity, electromagnetism, weak and strong nuclear forces control the movements of all objects in the universe from sub-atomic particles to the pull of galaxies on one another. The theory studied most closely is the evolution of String Theory as an answer to unifying these forces. Whether such a theory exists is even disputed, but this only goes to show us that science is constantly evolving and that we must continue to search for answers to the questions posed by the world around us.

Recommendation:

This book goes a long way towards translating complex experiments and theories into language that can be understood by the general public. It discusses topics that are of interest, not just to scientists, but to the common person as well. It is written in such a way that it is engaging without losing its scientific validity. "A Brief History of Time" was a landmark novel and its counterpart continues that tradition. Despite its relative simplicity, it deals with concepts that will take some time and thought to wrap your head around. But the discoveries are exciting and their potential to revolutionize the world is very real. It is astounding to think of our universe the way that the authors must. In essence, it is a brilliant look at existence itself from any perspective.

Fast, cost effective solution. The exact same hardcover book that is being sold in Indigo. Brand new as described. Very happy with it.

This book offers the Layman more than a lucid view of Dark Energy/Matter and String Theory...It offers us a brilliant new way to think about the Universe that was only grasped by the very few up until now !

[...]


Stranger and Stranger !

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5.0 out of 5 stars What a Fascinating Read!
I read the earlier book, "A Brief History of Time" by Hawking and this book delivers where it states, in updating where things have advanced as well as putting the cookies on the... Read more

Published 8 months ago by B. Breen

5.0 out of 5 stars informative it is a 10
it is a 10 .if your are a least bit smart ,it is a must read

Published 16 months ago by harold

5.0 out of 5 stars Really interesting
Throughout school I learned about the major scientific advancements, but none of that schooling really explained things the way this book did. Read more

Published on Oct 5 2008 by Carolee Pasechnik

5.0 out of 5 stars A Briefer History of Time
I read a book on a recent flight for recreation called, A Briefer History of Time by Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow. It is about quantum physics. Read more

Published on Dec 18 2006 by J. Estill

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rather Long review of A Briefer History of Time
How big is the universe? Did it have a beginning and will it have an end? What was Gods role in creating the universe? Read more

Published on Nov 23 2006 by Stanley Humphries

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